Can the laparoscopic approach for adhesive small bowel obstruction be used in octogenarians? An observational study using ACS NSQIP

Age, preoperative functional status, low preoperative albumin, and ASA classes IV and V were associated with mortality, while the open approach and male sex were associated with postoperative pneumonia. Octogenarians who present with SBO due to adhesive disease may benefit from an initial laparoscopic exploration. Further prospective studies are warranted.